HEYTEA LAB Shenzhen OCT Harbor Store

The improvement of consumption and the convenience of digitization have promoted the transformation and formation of new consumption patterns and consumer groups. China is accelerating its entry into a new era of consumption. Today, in face of the new consumer groups and new consumerism, how can we help Heytea, a popular new tea brand, to convey its individuality and to demonstrate its business strategies in product innovation, experience innovation and business integration? Optimizing every possible consumption procedure and creating immersive and interactive consumer experience are the basic logic for TOMO DESIGN in the design of Shenzhen Heytea Lab.

Facing the complex background and business environment, the design is based on the insights of the consumption experiences that the brand will bring to the consumers. The design goes beyond the conventional reference system, deconstructs the consumers’ demands and feelings, and extends the potential value of Heytea in the background. Finally, by planning and operating, TOMO has successfully created the space value and new experiences with unique creativity.

Tracing the origin of the project, the designer interprets the artistic context of the building with a sequence of landscape. The façade of the flagship store is designed by gray bricks, which is interspersed with metal bricks to show both traditional beauty and a youthful atmosphere.

The large brand logos are placed on the metal grilles and the protruding eaves. The newly-built block is integrated with the existing columns. The stone benches and the metal hills are arranged flexibly for both landscaping and short break.

At the entrance, the metal grille façade replaces the solid wall, creating a relaxing atmosphere. And the screen behind it displays the beautiful landscape repeatedly. Here, the art of architecture, modern ink paintings, digital technology as well as the “rain curtain” dialogue with each other and show both the collision and combination between tradition and modernity.

Silver metal bar counter, metal grille details, gray emery floor, and sequential bubble lights as well as the ice-making and dessert displays, connect a series of interesting spaces. At the same time, the floor-to-ceiling glass doors create an interactive visual experience between the interior and the outside landscape.

The illustration lab is open on three sides, enjoying an open and clear view. The designer cleverly emphasizes the brand culture with details and integrates illustration elements into the space. For example, it displays the brand logo on the ceiling lights. Different from conventional commercial design, the seats are arranged in the peripheral, while the center is relatively empty. This kind of arrangement caters to customers’ social demands and provides an immersive experience.

Stepping up the staircase with LED images changing alongside, you will finally reach the second floor. Here the ceiling is designed according to the pitched roof to form blocks of different textures, against which a moon-shaped art decoration was created. With the moon hanging against the “starry sky” on the LED screen, a beautiful picture is gradually unfolding before us.

The strip lights and light films are inlaid in the ceiling and the metal grilles to highlight the simplicity and elegance of the space. And the aluminum foam sheet covering the side walls is in contrast with the delicate satin brushed metal. Sitting by the window, you can have a great view of the luxuriant green and feel relaxed and refreshed.

According to its market positioning and business strategies, Shenzhen Heytea Lab is designed as the first flagship store in the city. It is a successful practice based on the analysis of the current consumption habits and trends. By integrating commodity and experience with social function, Shenzhen Heytea Lab is devoted to providing brand new consumption experience.

Design: TOMO DESIGN
Design Team: Uno Chan, Xiao Fei, Suri Liao, Joey He, Jason Luo, Yun Peng
Photography: Sean